Minimal vs Frugal

It has come to my attention that there is a common misconception out there that being minimal is being frugal, being conservative. Nothing can be further from the truth.

To be Minimal means to only acquire and retain that which adds real value to our lives. Beyond that, there is no pre-determined limit as far as how much that is. It changes from Minimalist to Minimalist. Truthfully, there is no reason to even SET a limit. A minimalist focuses on people, and experience.

With that being said, a Minimalist may not hesitate to buy a round of drinks for him and all his buddies during a night out with friends, as this adds tremendous value to the occasion. A Minimalist loves to buy huge elaborate gifts for people if they know the receiver will get much value from it. A Minimalist could be inclined to drop serious dough on an all expenses paid trip to the Bahamas. These are all wonderful spoils that minimalists can enjoy and bestow on others.

Speaking for myself personally, my philosophy of minimalism is completely contrary to frugality. It focuses on living in the NOW, using our resources to get the most we can out of life. Filling our lives with experiences that give us purpose, growth, and joy. These experiences often cost money.

Spoiling ourselves is what makes life worth living! And thanks to minimal living, we have more time, money, and energy to do just that.

I have seen too many people who spend no money on any spoils, live a mundane life, no growth, no passion, just a desire to grow their bank accounts, try to pass themselves off as Minimalists. This is not being minimal, just cheap.